Lu Yuan and Meng Qianqian acted separately, thoroughly searching inside and outside of Kunning Palace.
To prevent them from planting evidence and framing others, the Empress sent clever eunuchs and palace maids to follow them.
The two were upright and not afraid of being scrutinized, indifferent to the Empress's surveillance.
But Kunning Palace was too large, and after searching for over a quarter-hour, they had covered most of the living quarters, yet still found nothing.
The Empress and Princess Consort Chen sat in the courtyard, awaiting the results.
Female official Yao returned to her room to tend to the injury on her cheek, while Female official Tong served by the Empress's side.
The Empress glanced at the teacup before Princess Consort Chen and said to Female official Tong, "Princess Consort Chen's tea has cooled, why not replenish it quickly?"
Though she said to refill the tea, who couldn't tell she was subtly asking someone to leave?
